Candle burning device



April 20, 1943. P. w. RUSSELL 2,316,812,

CANDLE BURNING DEVICE INV ENT OR.

April 20, 1943. P. w. RUSSELL CANDLE BURNING DEVICE Filed Jan. 2, 1942 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 #VEB 1NVENTOR. PHI/.UP w- Russi/.L

arr.

Patented Apr. 20, 1943 CANDLE BURNING DEVICE Phillip W. Russell, Cleveland Heights, Ohio, as-

signor to John M. Powers, Cleveland Heights,

Ohio

Application January 2, 1942, Serial No. 425,411

16 Claims.

This invention pertains to improvements in automatically actuated Candlesticks adapted for use upon church altars, etc. Candlesticks of this type generally embody a tubular false candle housing constructed and decorated to simulate a candle, and mechanism within the housing for automatically feeding an actual candle or candle-like body upwardly within the housing against a suitable stationary stop means in such a fashion that the wick of the candle and the flame arising therefrom extend above the upper end of the candle housing and produce the effect of a never shortening burning candle. As well known, proper burning of devices of the above described character, that is burning of a candlestick with a proper name and without running over of melted wax, depends upon the length of the exposed end of the candlewick which controls the size of the name and therewith the amount of wax melted at the top of the candle, on alignment of the flame with the axis of the candle effecting symmetrical heating and melting of the wax at the upper end of the candle, and the pressure with which the feed mechanism forces the candle against its stop means. However, the pressure with which the feed mechanism of candlestick constructions of this type forces the candle against its stationary stop is variable, as this pressure is partly controlled by the weight of the candle, decreasing in weight when decreasing in length and when so decreasing, effecting an undesirable increase in said pressure and therewith interference with proper burning of the candle.

The primary object of the present invention is the provision of an improved feed mechanism for the candle of a candlestick, which mechanism is independent of the weight of the candle to be shifted thereby and effects upward feeding of such a candle in proportion to its decrease in length when burning.

Another object of the invention is the provision of an improved feed mechanism for the candle of a Candlestick, which mechanism is independent of the Weight of the candle to be shifted thereby and effects step by step upward feeding of the candle with the timing of these steps controlled by definite decreases in the length of the candle when burning.

A further object of the invention is the provision of an improved, electrically controlled feed mechanism for the candle of a Candlestick, which mechanism is controlled by switching means supported and carried by the candle body for actuating the feed mechanism in step by step fashion whenever definite decreases in the length of the candle eiect operation of the switching means carried thereby.

Still another object of the invention is the provision of an improved electrically actuated and controlled reversible feed mechanism for the candle of a Candlestick, which mechanism is controlled by switching means supported and carried by the candle body for actuating the feed mechanism in step by step fashion whenever definite decreases in the length of the candle efeffect operation of the switching means carried thereby, and which includes electrical switching means adapted to `be actuated upon in predetermined positions of the candle to render the feed mechanism inoperative in such position of the candle.

With the above and other incidental objects in view, the invention consists in certain other novel features of construction and combination of parts, the essential elements of which are set forth in the appended claims; and a preferred form of embodiment of the invention is hereinafter shown with reference to the drawing forming part of the specification. y

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a fragmentary, longitudinal sectional view partly in elevation through an automaticaily actuated Candlestick with step by step feed mechanism and lighting and extinguishing means for the candle of the candlestick.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged top view of the candlestick shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view on line 3--3 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view on line 4--4 of Fig. 1; and

Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view on line 5 5 ol Fig. 1.

Fig. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary, longitudinal. sectional View partly in elevation similar to Fig. l, with the lighting and extinguishing means in lighting or snuing position.

Fig. '7 is an enlarged fragmentary, transverse sectional view through the candlestick, with the lighting and extinguishing means in their lighting or snufling position and the switch controlling the feed mechanism in closed position.

Fig. 8 is a view similar to Fig. 7, with the lighting and extinguishing means in rest position and the candle and the switch controlling the feed mechanism for the candle in open position, a position present after each upward feed of the .candle by the feed mechanism.

Fig. 9 is a diagram of the electric hook-np of the lighting and extinguishing means with a not, the diagram showing the circuit for actuating and controlling the candle feed mechanism and the candle lighting and extinguishing means.

Referring now more particularly to the exemplified form of the invention shown in the drawings, reference numeral 2 designates a candlestick embodying a tubular false candle housing 3 constructed and decorated to simulate a candle, and mechanism 4 within the housing for automatically feeding an actual candle 5-or itsv equivalent, as the case may be-upwardly within housing 3 in such a fashion that the end o'f wick 6 of the candle and the flame arising therefrom extend above the upper edge 'I. of the candle housing and produce the effect of a never shortening burning candle. Candlestick 2` carries at its bottom the male member 8 of a plug switch, the prongs 9 of which member are electrically con.- nected with the respective parts of the operating mechanism of the Candlestick to permit of proper electrical connection, mounting and demounting of thecandlestick fromv any base structure including the respective female memberfor, male member 8.

The feed mechanism. of Candlestick 2 is mounted in. a frame structure I0 which embodies two oppositely arranged, U-shaped upright members II' and I2, the web portions I3 and I4 of which are stiifened by curving same. These members,

which at their lower ends' support the male mem- I ber S, mount between themselves an electric motor I5, the opposite ends I6 and Ilv of which are clamped between perforated brackets and spacing members I8 and I9 attached to the curved web portions I3 and I4 of upright members II and l2 to support motor I5 and space the members II and I2 from each other; The motor I5 has its shaft 2 extended through a perforation 2l in bracket I9 and by a coupling 22v connected to the vertical shaft 23 of a reduction gear train 25 mounted upon a substantially U-shaped bracket 25 which is secured to the web portions I3 and Ill of upright members l I and I2. Reduction gear train 24 includes a worm drive 25 with a worm 21 on vertical shaft 23 and a wormwheel 28 on a horizontal shaft 29 which is coupled With a second vertical shaft or countershaft 3l) byl means of helical gears 3|, 32 on shafts 29 and 30 respectively. This countershaft is coupled with a threaded shaft 33' by a coupling 34, which threaded shaft extends through and' cooperates with a nut member 35 on a flanged, shiftable bracket 3E, the flanges 371 of which slidably engage the web portions I3 and I4 of the upright members II and I2. Rotation of shaft 33 effects shifting of bracket 36 and candle 5 supporte-d by said bracket in a cup-shaped member 38 in turn mounted on and attached to bracket 35.

At its upper end the frame structure I0 mounts on upright members II and I2 a candle lighting and extinguishing means which is supported on a plate 39 attached to members I I and- I2 by screws lill. This plate` is. formed with a central bore 4! to permit of proper shifting of candle 5 through said plate and mounts a solenoid or electromagnetic device 42 including a stationary U-shaped coil supporting member :i3 and a shiftable armature supporting slide member 44 slidably mounted on'an upright extension 45 of member 43. The solenoid or electromagnetic device is coupled with a scissorlike candle lighting and extinguishing member 45. Thus, slide member 4I! which carries armature means 41 and is yieldingly forced upwardly, away from member 43 by a spring 48, is

porting extensions 55, the rollers of which engage slotted levers 5I and 52 of the scissorlike lighting and extinguishing member 45. These levers which are pivotally mounted on a pin 53 in upright extension l5 have their lower portions slotted at 54, 55 respectively, for engagement with rollers 59, so that current sent through the electromagnetic device 42, which current effects downward shifting of armature means 41 and slide member 134, also effects pivoting of levers 5 I,

V52 on their pivot pin in such a manner that their extended upper ends 55 and 51 approach each other. These extended upper ends support late-rally extended therefrom lighting and extinguishing membersV 58V and 59 which are arranged symmetrically with respect to each other and the wick 5 of candle 5 and so mounted that the members 58 and' 55 slightly contact the wick when in a predetermined position. The lighting and extinguishing member 58 on lever 5I includes a plate Sil of insulating material having mounted thereon a heating element 6 I adapted to readily ignite wick 5 when current flows through element SI', and lighting and. extinguishing member 59 includes a metal plate E2 provided with a top flange 63 and cooperating with plate 65 in snufling and lighting operations.

Candle 5 carries at its upper end a candle guard 65, the shell of which has the shape of a somewhat tapered tubular bell open at its larger bottom portion 65 and is provided at itsupper portion with a restricted circular passage 55 for wick 3. This guard is made of metal and of sufficient weight to cause the guard to gravitate on the burning candle and prevent any wax from escaping down its side. For'such purpose the shell of the guard includes a downwardly inclined circular shoulder Sl extended from. passage 55 at an inclination of about 55, which shoulder rests upon the top of candle 5 and centers and seats the shell with respect thereto. The upperl end of passage 55 has upwardly extended therefrom an inclined circularl wall 63 to form a well S3' for molten wax, which well stores suflicient wax to insure proper burning of the candle and has extended thereinto the lower end portions l!V and 'I I of plate 65 with heating element 6| and plate 62, all for the purpose of speeding upv melting of wax during igniting operations and facilitatformed at its upper opposite sides with roller sup. 7.5

' ing snuiing of the candle flame during extinguishing operations.

Metal candle guard Bd controls the feed mechanism for candle 5 by forming the movable switch member of a make and breakv of main controlling switch l2 in an electric circuit lI3, which latter controls motor I5. Thus, guard 64 in one predetermined position bridges a gap 'M in circuit 13, which gap is formed between two contact blades l5, 'FB mounted on vertical posts TI, 18. Circuit 'I3 is also controlled by'limit break switches l5 andv 8B which limit the upward and downward movement of candle 5 by motor I5.

Switch 'I9 breaks the circuit for the motor and stops further upward movement of the candle when finger 8l on member 38 shifts arm 8e2 of this switch and switch 8l)y breaks the circuit for motor I5 and stops further downward movement of candle 5 should the motor be reversed and finger 83 engage the arm 35 of switch 85.

The operation of the described Candlestick will best be understood from inspection of circuit 'I3 diagrammatically shown in Fig. 9 of the draw.- ings. This circuit discloses the electric hookup of the Candlestick and its feed, igniting and extinguishing means with a source of electric energy, net 85. Circuit 13 embodies a main circuit 86 and a shunt circuit 81 and is coupled with net 85 by a main switch 88. The main circuit 86 controlling the feed mechanism for the candle includes vshunt wound, reversible motor I5, candle guard controlled break switch or gap 14 and two limit break switches 80 and 19; and shunt circuit 81 controlling the candle lighting and extinguishing means includes a push button make switch 89, a transformer 98, a solenoid 9| for actuation of the scissorlike candle lighting and extinguishing member 46 and heating element 63 which, as shown, is shunted from secondary coil 92 of transformer 90.

When main switch 88 is closed, the candlestick can be lighted o1' extinguished, as the case may be, by operation of push button make switch 89 which, when closed, causes a current flow through shunt circuit 81. For lighting operations switch 89 is held in closed position a time interval sulicient to heat up heating element 63 so as to soften the wax in wall 6.9 and facilitate actuation of lighting and extinguishing member 46 by solenoid 9|, and for extinguishing or snufng operations switch 89 after closing is immediately released to actuate the lighting and extinguishing member 46 but avoid undesirable heating of heating element 6|.

The main circuit 86 with the switches 14, 19 and 80 is generally controlled by switch 14, as switches 19 and 80 are limit break switches generally closed except in the highest and lowest position of the candle supporting shiftable bracket 36.' Switch 14, which is generally open, is controlled by the burning of the candle, the latter carrying the contact making guard 64 downwardly toward the gap formed between the contact blades 15, 16. When guard 64 bridges the gap between these contact blades, current is caused to ow through main circuit 86 and effects rotation of motor i and upward shifting of the candle by candle supporting bracket 36 shifted by the motor through gear train 24 and threaded shaft 33. Such an upward shifting of the candle raises candle guard 64 from contact blades 15, 16 and opens the gap 13 in main circuit 86 to shut off the current fiow through said circuit and stop running of motor I5. The action of guard 64 will best be understood from an inspection of Figs. 'I and 8 of the drawings showing the circuit making and breaking positions of the guard.

As described above, the limit switch 19 breaks the main circuit 86 only when the candle supporting bracket 36 has been shifted to its predetermined highest position and then switch 19 prevents further upward movement of said bracket under all conditions. At this time candle 5 in candlestick 2 must be replaced or extended and to that effect the candle supporting bracket 36 must be moved downwardly. Such a downward movement is possible by reversing the rotation of motor l5 by means of a reversing switch 93 which reverses the eld of the motor and bridges switch 19 and gap 14 so that current flows through main circuit 86 and effects rotation of motor l5 in an opposite direction for downward movement of supporting bracket 36. This movement of the bracket is automatically checked when the finger 83 on member 36 engages the arm 84 and breaks the switch 80 to prevent damage to the feed mechanism when actuated in a reverse direction.

Having thus described the invention:

' What I claim is:

1. In a candlestick a housing, a candlelike body within said housing, means for shifting said candlelike body vertically within said housing, and means carried by saidcandlelike body and movable therewith for automatically controlling the shifting of said shifting means.

2. In a candlestick a housing, a candlelike body within said housing, means for shifting said candlelike body vertically within said housing, and means mounted on the top of said candlelike body and movable therewith for automatically Controlling the shifting of said shifting means.

3. In a candlestick a housing, a candlelike body within said housing, means for shifting said candlelike body vertically within said housing, electrical means for actuating said shifting means, and means carried by said candlelike body for automatically controlling said electrical means.

4. In a candlestick a housing, a. candlelike body within said housing, means for shifting said candlelike body vertically within said housing, electrical means for actuating said shifting means, and means carried on the top of said candlelike body for automatically controlling shifting of said shifting means by said electrical means to effect shifting movement when the top of said candlelike body is in a predetermined position.

5. In a candlestick a housing, a candlelike body within said housing, means for vertically shifting said candlelike body including an electric motor, an electric` circuit controlling said electric motor, and switching means for said circuit supported on said candlelike body and actuated thereby to effect automatic control of said electric circuit by said candlelike body when burning.

6. In a candlestick as described in claim 5 additional switching means in said circuit for permanently breaking said circuit in predetermined positions of said shifting means for said candlelike body.

7. In a candlestick a housing, a candlelike body within said housing, a candle guard and follower for said candlelike body mounted thereon, means including an electric motor for automatically shifting said candlelike body with its guard vertically within said housing, a circuit controlling said electric motor, and means in said circuit cooperating with said candle guard for opening and closing said circuit in predetermined positions of said candlelike body and its guard.

8. In a candlestick a housing, a candlelike body within said housing, a metal candle guard and follower mounted on said candlelike body, means including an electric motor for automatically shifting said candlelike body with its guard vertically within said housing, and an electric circuit for controlling said motor, said circuit including a gap interrupting said circuit in an area opposite said follower, and said follower closing said circuit by bridging said gap when said follower is in predetermined position.

9. In a candlestick a housing, a candle within said housing, a metal candle guard and follower supported on said candle, vertically shiitable supporting means for said candle, an electric motor coupled with said supporting means for shifting same, and an electric circuit for controlling said motor, said circuit including make and break switching means cooperating with said follower in opening and closing said circuit when said follower is in predetermined position.

10. In a candlestick a housing, a candle within said housing, a metal candle guard and follower supported on said candle, vertically shiftable supporting means for said candle, anA electric motor coupled with said'supporting meansfor shifting same, and an electric circuit forcontrolling said motor, saidcircuit including makeandbreak switching means cooperating. with said follower in opening and closing saidA circuit, and break switching means cooperating with said supporting means in breaking said. circuit when said supporting means are in predetermined positions.

11. In a Candlestick a housing, a frame structure in said housing, an electric motor mounted on said frame structure, supporting meansvertically shiftably mounted on saidframe structure and coupled with said motor, a candlelike body on said supporting means shiftable therewith, a circuit controlling said motor, and switching means for said circuit cooperating with and actuated by said candlelike body in automatically controlling said circuit when said candlelke body is burning.

12. In a. candlestck a housing, a. frame structure in said housing embodying two oppositely arranged U-shaped upright members, an electric motor mounted between the members of saidl frame structure, supporting means vertically shiftably mounted on said frame structure and coupled with said motor, a candlelike body on said supporting means shftable therewith, a circuit controlling said motor, and switching means for said circuit cooperating with andV actuated by said candlelike body in automatically controlling said circuit whenr said candlelike body isburning.

13. In a Candlestick a housing, a frame structure in said housing embodying two oppositely arranged U-shaped upright members, an electric motor mounted on said frame structure, supporting means vertically shitably arranged between the upright members of said frame structure, a reducing gear train-including a threaded shaft coupling said motor with said supportingV means, a circuit controlling said motor, and switching means for said circuit cooperating with and. actuated by said candlelikefbody in automatically controlling said circuit when said candlelike body is burning.

14. In a Candlestick a housing, a candlelike body within said housing means for vertically shifting said candlelike body including an electric motor and a threaded shaft, an electric circuit controlling said electric motor, and switching means for said circuit supported on said candlelike body and actuated. thereby to eiect automatic control ofsaid electric circuit by said candlelike body when burning.

15. In a Candlestick a tubular housing, a frame structure in said housing, an electric motor mounted on said frame structure, supporting means vertically shiftably mounted on said frame structure and coupled with said motor, a candle- 1ike body on said supporting means shiitable therewith, a switching means for said circuit cooperating with and actuated by said candlelike body in automatically controlling said circuit when said candlelike body is burning and an electric plug at the lower end of said` frame structure exposed outwardly of said tubing, said plug being connected to said circuit to permit of said candlestick being readily mounted and connected with a source of electric energy.

i6. In a Candlestick a housing, a candlelike body. within said housing, means for shifting said candlelike body vertically within said housing, electrical means for actuating saidl shifting means, and means Carried on the top of said candlelike body for automatically controlling shifting offsaid shifting means by said electricalV means, saidelectrical means including a plug member having its prongs outwardly extended. of said housing to permit of mounting and electrically connecting said Candlestick with av sourcel of electric energy. PHILLIP W. RUSSELL, 

